Former One Direction singer Liam Payne has tragically died in Argentina, according to local officials.
Authorities informed the BBC and the Associated Press that they responded to an emergency call at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires, where there were reports of “an aggressive man who might have been under the influence of drugs and alcohol.” Upon arrival, police found the 31-year-old British singer deceased in the hotel’s courtyard.
Investigation into Liam Payne’s Death
Alberto Crescenti, the head of the state emergency medical service, informed local media that Payne had fallen around 42 to 45 feet, suffering injuries that were described as “very serious” and “incompatible with life.” Emergency responders reached the scene at 5:11 p.m., but Payne was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
Crescenti stated that an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Payne’s death is still in progress, and an autopsy will take place. He did not specify whether Payne had fallen by accident or if he had jumped intentionally.
Liam Payne’s Last Public Appearance
Just days earlier, Payne had been seen in Argentina, where he was photographed supporting his former One Direction bandmate Niall Horan at a concert on October 2. Videos of him in the country had recently surfaced online.
Liam Payne’s Legacy and Rise to Fame
Payne leaves behind his 7-year-old son, Bear, whom he shares with singer Cheryl Cole.
Payne’s rise to stardom began in 2010 when he became a member of One Direction on the U.K.’s The X Factor. Alongside Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, and Niall Horan, Payne became part of one of the most successful boy bands of all time. The group released five albums, with hits like “What Makes You Beautiful,” “Story of My Life,” and “Drag Me Down.” Their 2013 hit, “Best Song Ever,” peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Payne’s Early Career and Personal Struggles
Payne first auditioned for The X Factor in 2008 when he was just 14 years old, performing a cover of Frank Sinatra’s “Fly Me to the Moon.” Although he made it through the early rounds, he was cut before the live shows. He returned two years later, at age 16, delivering a performance of Michael Bublé’s “Cry Me a River” that wowed the judges, including Cheryl Cole. This led to his inclusion in One Direction, a group that went on to become global superstars. Although they didn’t win the show, One Direction became one of the biggest-selling boy bands in history. The group disbanded in 2015, and Payne, like his bandmates, pursued a solo career.
Liam Payne’s Solo Career and Battles with Anxiety
During his solo career, Payne worked with various artists, including Quavo (“Strip That Down”), Zedd (“Get Low”), and Rita Ora (“For You” from the Fifty Shades Freed soundtrack). His debut solo album, LP1, was released in 2019.
Despite his fame and success, Payne faced personal struggles, particularly with anxiety and alcohol abuse. In an interview with Men’s Health Australia, Payne admitted that the intense pressure of fame during One Direction’s peak took a toll on him.
Liam Payne’s Sobriety Journey
In July 2023, Payne shared that he had been sober for six months after spending 100 days in rehab. He opened up to fans in a YouTube video, explaining that he had lost himself and needed time to recover. He also expressed regret for comments he made about his former bandmates during a 2022 interview, thanking them for standing by him during his difficult moments. “When I needed them the most, they came to my rescue,” he said.